Amsterdam to Maastricht

Day 1: Amsterdam - Weesp, 6 mi. (11 km)
Day 2: Weesp - Utrecht | Utrecht - Vianen, 28 mi. (47 km)
Day 3: Vianen - Gorinchem, 26 mi. (41 km) | Gorinchem - Heusden
Day 4: Heusden – Lith | Lith – Cuijk, 24 mi. (40 km)
Day 5: Cuijk – Arcen, 32 mi. (53 km) 
Day 6: Arcen – Venlo – Roermond, 30 mi. (50 km) 
Day 7: Roermond – Born, 25 mi. (42 km)| Born – Maastricht
Day 8: Maastricht

 Parts that are printed in italics parts will be covered by the ship.

All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to weather, last-minute mooring changes, and restructuring of locks or bridges

Day 1: Amsterdam - Weesp, 6 mi. (11 km)
The barge will be moored and waiting for you in Amsterdam. Boarding takes place between 1 and 2 pm, after which, the barge will set sail to Weesp at 2:00 pm. Once fortified and now with a protected historical center, several of the bastions, moats, and forts still survive. Many canals and buildings date from the 17th and 18th centuries. Weesp has three full-size perfectly preserved windmills. With its quiet charm, small bridges, and picturesque canals, Weesp is the perfect first stop after Amsterdam.

Day 2: Weesp - Utrecht | Utrecht - Vianen, 28 mi. (47 km)
From Weesp, you will cycle along the beautiful meandering Vecht River with impressive mansions on its banks. Along the way, you will visit a Dutch farm, where cheese is still produced the traditional way. You will meet the barge in the city of Utrecht and from there you will sail the Amsterdam-Rhine canal to Vianen, a small fortified town on the river Lek.

Day 3: Vianen - Gorinchem, 25 mi. (41 km) | Gorinchem - Heusden 
Through a typical Dutch landscape, along the Merwedekanaal, the route leads to Leerdam a little town on the banks of the river Linge. Later you continue biking on the beautiful roads along the Linge to Gorinchem, a charming town on the river Waal. After a visit, you will join the barge to Heusden.

Day 4: Heusden - Lith| Lith - Cuijk, 24 mi. (40 km) 
As you enjoy your breakfast on board the ship, it will be sailing from Heusden to Lith, a village situated on the Maas River, where your exciting bike tour will commence. The tour will take you through charming medieval cities like Ravenstein and Grave, each with their unique attractions. In Ravenstein, you'll have a chance to visit the Tanner's Cottages, while in Grave, you'll see canons dating back to the time of Napoleon. Additionally, Grave played a crucial role during the second world war's Operation Market Garden, as it was located near an essential bridge, now known as John S. Thompson Bridge.

Continuing your journey along the river, you'll meet the barge in Cuijk, your overnight location. Here, the St. Martins Church, a stunning neo-gothic church, houses a well-preserved baroque organ built between 1639-1650. This organ is one of the oldest in the Netherlands, making it a must-see attraction. After dinner, you'll have the opportunity to visit the museum Ceuclum in Cuijk and climb the tower for an excellent view of the Maas Valley, a sight that is sure to take your breath away.

Day 5: Cuijk - Arcen, 32 mi. (53 km) 
Today a magnificent bike tour is scheduled. You cycle along the Maas valley to Afferden and Heyen. The route continues through National Park Maasduinen to Well where you will find the Well castle with its heavy round brick tower dating from the 14th century.  The destination for today is Arcen. Here you may visit the famous castle gardens with incredible variety; the Rosarium, with ten different rose gardens; the water- and sculpture garden; the Lommerijk, with shades, waterfalls, and streamlets; the Valley, offering six 'international' gardens; Casa Verde, offering Mediterranean and tropical gardens; the Golf garden, with a view at the largest waterfall in the Netherlands.

Day 6: Arcen - Venlo -  Roermond, 30 mi. (50 km) 
Again your bike route leads along the Maas River. Here and there you cross by ferry or bridge in order to follow the most interesting paths. The first stop is Venlo, with many historical monuments and a lively inner city. At lunchtime, you arrive in Kessel, one of the oldest villages along the Meuse. There you cross over to the other bank and continue the bike ride to the beautiful village of Beesel, where the grain mill 'Grey Bear' stands proudly along the river. Today's tour ends in the city of Roermond, where the  Roer and Maas rivers come together. Roermond is known for its rich cultural heritage. Since 1559 it has been a "bishop city". In the center, you will find many historical buildings. Roermond is also the city of Pierre Cuypers, according to many, one of the most important Dutch architects of the 19th century. He is the architect of the Rijksmuseum and Central Station in Amsterdam.

Day 7: Roermond – Born, 25 mi. (42 km) | Born – Maastricht
Today, the cycling tour continues through charming villages and the beautiful landscape of the province of Limburg. The first stop is Thorn, the ‘white Village’ on the Dutch/Belgian border known for its cobblestone streets and white-painted houses. The only colored building is the 14th-century church. From Thorn, you cycle across the Dutch / Belgian border to the Belgian city Maaseik. This city is famous for the painters Hubert and Jan van Eyck. On the market square, you will see typical Renaissance-style houses with impressive facades. You can also take the opportunity to have a nice Belgian "pint" on this beautiful square. You will find the ship in Born, from where you sail to Maastricht. Maastricht, the capital of the province is a beautifully preserved city with Roman roots. In this town, you find the treasure house of the St. Servaas Church, the Bonnefanten museum for art and antiquity, and the Kazematten, a system of underground fortress works from the 18th century. In addition to these places of interest, it is also worthwhile visiting the marl caves, or just to thoroughly enjoy yourself on the Vrijthof. You will not get bored!

Day 8: Departure
Disembarkation by 9:30 am.

Day 1: Maastricht, 3.75 mi. (6 km)
Day 2: Maastricht – Born | Born – Roermond, 24 mi. (40 km)  
Day 3: Roermond – Venlo – Arcen, 30 mi. (50 km) 
Day 4: Arcen - Cuijk, 32 mi. (53 km)
Day 5: Cuijk - Oss , 24 mi. (40 km) | Oss - Heusden
Day 6: Heusden - Gorinchem | Gorinchem - Vianen, 25 mi. (41 km)
Day 7: Vianen - Breukelen | Breukelen - Amsterdam, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 8: Amsterdam

All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to weather, last-minute mooring changes, and restructuring of locks or bridges.

Day 1: Maastricht, 6 mi. (10 km)
Check-in begins at 1 pm. There is time to explore the city of Maastricht, a beautifully preserved city with Roman roots. Highlights here are the St. Servaas Church, the Bonnefanten Museum for art and antiquity, and the Kazematten, a system of underground fortress works from the 18th century. In addition to these places of interest, it is also worthwhile visiting the marl caves, or just to thoroughly enjoy yourself on the Vrijthof. You will not get bored! After dinner, you can test the bikes!

Day 2: Maastricht – Born | Born – Roermond, 24 mi. (40 km)
Your ship navigates to Born via the Juliana Canal, where you disembark. From here you bike over the Dutch/Belgian border into Maaseik, famous for the painters Hubert and Jan van Eyck. At the market square, you see typical renaissance houses with their impressive facades. You can also use the opportunity to try a Belgian “pint” on this beautiful square. Thorn, the 'white Village' on the Dutch/Belgian border, is up next, known for its cobblestone streets and white-painted houses. The only building that is not white is the 14th-century church. The city of Roermond is your final destination where the river Roer and Maas come together. Roermond is known for a rich cultural heritage. Since 1559 it has been a bishop city. In the center, you will find many historical buildings. Roermond is also the city of Pierre Cuypers, according to many, the most important Dutch architect of the 19th century. He is the architect of the Rijksmuseum and Central Station in Amsterdam. 

Day 3: Roermond – Venlo – Arcen, 30 mi. (50 km) 
The biking begins in Roermond. First, you follow the river on the east bank to the beautiful village of Beesel, where the grain mill 'grey bear' stands proudly along the river. You cross over to the other bank to Kessel. Kessel is one of the oldest villages on the Meuse. At lunchtime, you arrive in Venlo, with many historical moments and a lively inner city. In the afternoon you ride to Arcen, a former fortified town on the banks of the Meuse. There you can visit the beautiful castle gardens: the Rosarium, with ten different rose gardens; the water and sculpture garden; the Lommerrijk, with shadows, waterfalls, and streams; the valley, with six international gardens; Casa Verde, with Mediterranean and tropical gardens; the golf garden, overlooking the largest waterfall in the Netherlands.

Day 4: Arcen - Cuijk, 32 mi. (53 km)
First, you will bike by Well where you find the Well castle with its heavy round brick tower dating from the 14th century. You continue through the National Park Maasduinen close to the German border. Around lunchtime, you arrive in Afferden. You will find the barge again in Cuijk, another interesting city on the banks of the Maas. The St. Martins Church, a neo-gothic church, houses a well-preserved baroque organ (built 1639-1650). This organ is one of the oldest in the Netherlands.

Day 5: Cuijk - Oss , 24 mi. (40 km) | Oss - Heusden, 24 mi. (40 km)
Today, as you embark on your bike tour, you'll travel from Cuijk along the magnificent Meuse River, visiting the medieval cities of Grave and Ravenstein. In Grave, the canons dating back to the time of Napoleon are impressive You will learn about the city's vital role during Operation Market Garden in the Second World War, thanks to its strategic location near a crucial bridge, now known as John S. Thompson Bridge.

In Ravenstein, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Tanner's Cottages located in the city park, adding to the charm of this historic city. From Oss, you'll join the barge once again, where you'll enjoy a pleasant sail to the beautifully restored fortified city of Heusden. For dinner tonight (not included), you'll have the flexibility to choose a restaurant of your choice in town, with recommendations available on board the barge.

Day 6: Heusden - Gorinchem | Gorinchem - Vianen, 25 mi. (41 km)
In the morning you navigate to Gorinchem, a charming town on the river Waal. From there you cycle through a typical Dutch landscape to Leerdam a little town on the banks of the river Linge. Leerdam is famous for its classwork. In the afternoon you continue to Vianen, a small fortified town on the river Lek.

Day 7: Vianen - Breukelen | Breukelen - Amsterdam, 26 mi. (42 km)
You will sail during breakfast and start cycling in Breukelen, following the winding river Vecht to Amsterdam. In Loenen you will visit a mill. The final destination is Amsterdam, where you can take a tour through the canals or visit the Rijksmuseum or the van Gogh museum.

Day 8: Amsterdam
End of tour. Disembarkation after breakfast, by 9:30 am.